Sooo…I decided to book a spontaneous work trip to the big apple. Like… super spontaneous–> I’m talking about booking a flight at 4am, taking off at 6:30am, packing in 30 minutes & booking my hotel upon arrival–type of spontaneous.

And with SO many restaurants to choose from in such a short amount time, I asked YOU guys for the best places in NY to try in only 3 days time. So a huge THANK YOU to everyone following @CynEats Instagram who came through with all these awesome recommendations.

Here’s a recap of everything from desserts to sushi to ramen noodles

~AND~

What you should & shouldn’t get in-between.

BaoHaus

What to get: Chairman Bao {It’s the best one}

Why: The meat practically melts in your mouth and is beautifully seasoned. I think this may be the best pork bun I’ve ever had. So YUM!

PS: Eddie Huang (owner) is the Asian version of Anthony Bourdain, with his own hit show “Fresh Off the Boat.”

Hint: This is the perfect place to go for a quick bite in SOHO. It reminds me of a small taco shop where you just order and go. The line moves fast and is open till 4 a.m- perfect for late night munchies.

Ippudo Ramen

What to get: Akamaru Modern ramen (we came here twice in 3 days).

Why: THE BEST ramen place in the New York and they make their noodles in-house. Also number 1 most rated restaurant in New York (next to The Halal Guys) on Yelp.

Hint: The normal wait time is 2 hours, so go either right when they open, or towards the end of the night to avoid lines. OR go there early and have a few drinks at the bar. MUST add on the eggs.

Momofuku Milk Bar

What to get: Cereal Milk. B’day Truffles.

Why: It’s a quick and convenient place to satisfy any sweet tooth craving (multiple locations throughout NY)

Hint: They also have sit-down restaurants that serve ramen and baos. The ramen is blah (go to Ippudo or Totto Ramen instead). I heard their baos are better than Baohaus, but didn’t get a chance to try them this time.

Laduree

What to get: All the macarons.

Why: One of the BEST macaron places in the U.S.

Hint: These make awesome presents for friends, girlfriends, BFFs, and parents. Just make sure to keep them refrigerated and consumed within 3 days. They have 2 locations, the one in SOHO is perfect for a cute little tea/brunch with the girls.

The Halal Guys

What to get: Chicken or Gyro or Both.

Why: It’s fast, it’s easy and it’s convenient. If you’re shopping around 5th ave or Times Square, this the perfect place for a quick bite if you’re in a hurry.

Hint: Don’t worry if you see a long line, it moves fast. Bring cash, and be careful of the hot sauce. There are also other “Halal” stands…just make sure it’s the right one on 6th ave & W 53rd st.

Sushi Seki

What to get: Omakase

Why: You get to try the chef’s favorites and unique concoctions of the day. One of the best sushi restaurants I’ve had (and I’m a snob when it comes to good sushi)

Hint: Make your reservations well in advance.

Jane

What to get: Mussels –> OMG MUST GET! Seriously, the best mussels I’ve ever had.

Why: Simply amazing brunch.

Hint: Make sure to bring 3-4 people to share everything. Dip the bread into the broth. So YUM. They also serve their “special” eggs benedict only on the weekends.

Why: If you’re craving steak and can’t get a reservation to Peter Luger or any of the fancier ones, The Capital Grille is a solid steakhouse with AMAZING lobster mac & cheese.

Hint: Ask for the lobster or crab to be de-shelled… so much easier that way. Skip the seafood platter.

Nobu

What to get: nothing.

Why: The fish was stringy and super over-priced.

Hint: Don’t believe the hype. There are way better Japanese restaurants out there.

Shanghai Dumpling

What to get: Pork soup dumplings, Crab soup dumplings

Why: It’s fast, super delicious, and filling. { I think it might be better than Ding Tai Fung or just as good }

Hint: Don’t burn your tongue. Put the dumpling on your spoon, poke a hole in it and let some of the soup ooze onto your spoon (This will help cool down the dumpling a bit).

Sake Bar Decibel

What to get: Akira- it has a clean, smooth, finished taste.

Why: They have THE most extensive list of sake I have ever seen (over 100 options). It’s also a cool romantic place to take on a date (very dark, small, and cozy inside).

Hint: It’s hidden and you have to look for an (on the air) sign. They don’t take reservations, so come early!

New York is such an awesome foodie city that you don’t HAVE to plan ahead to eat good food. There’s a good restaurant on practically every neighborhood corner.

Too bad I couldn’t make it to Clinton St. Bakery, Lady M’s, Katz deli, Sushi Soto, Peter Luger and so much more. Fortunately, I’ll be headed there again for work in 2 months (first week of AUG) to try these other places–> AND i’ll be able to make my ressies in advance!

Do you guys have any more recs?? Please tell me below! Where to go, and what to get!